7 things you should know before jumping into 'Fallout 4'

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For the past two weeks, I've spent 20+ hours playing "Fallout 4." And I completely agree with my colleague Ben Gilbert when he calls the game a "remarkable package," filled with exciting and emotional characters, stories, and adventures you won't forget anytime soon.

"Fallout 4" finally arrives in stores on Tuesday for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Many people have been waiting anxiously for this moment for years. But before you dive in, here are seven things you should know about this game.

1. You don't need to know anything about past "Fallout" games.

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The stories from each "Fallout" game are completely disparate from one another — but if you have played the other "Fallout" titles from Bethesda Game Studios, you might enjoy a few funny tie-ins to the latest game.

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2. The visuals are incredible, but they won't always blow you away.

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Regardless how many video games you play, you might find the visuals of "Fallout 4" to be a bit underwhelming at times. Like past Bethesda games like "Skyrim," character animations can be rigid and the framerate will drop in and out depending on where you are and what you're doing.

That said, I find these stiff animations and occasional graphical hiccups to be charming, not annoying.

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Character animations aside, the game's environments can be truly gorgeous.

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Like so!

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3. You'll want to listen to all the character dialogue.

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Speaking with non-playable characters and making decisions along the way is one of the fundamental aspects of a great role-playing game (RPG), which Bethesda specializes in. And while the visuals aren't always stellar, the game's storytelling is easily the best part of "Fallout 4."

Almost every character you run into during your travels has something to say — either about you, your appearance, your companion, or a problem that needs solving. These people make the game feel alive, and how you interact with these characters can result in very different game experiences — some people respond better to sarcastic comments than others, for instance, but others don't take humor so well!

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4. Check every nook and cranny.

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"Fallout 4" is literally riddled with secrets and surprises. It's up to you to find them scattered throughout the "Wasteland," the name given to the post-apocalyptic environment you're exploring. You'll find weapons, clothes, armor, medical aids, and useful items everywhere you go. You'll find interesting backstories and secret missions. Be sure to enter every building you can and scan ground and the entire perimeter for boxes, crates, safes and locked doors.

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5. The game feels big and difficult at the beginning. But don't fret.

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After a ~30-minute exposition, "Fallout 4" thrusts you into the Wasteland, tasking you with exploring the massive area and finding the family you've been separated from. The world will feel huge and alien to you — that's because it is. The enemies that await might seem intimidating, especially if you're new to this kind of game. But don't fret: after the first couple of story missions, you'll get the hang of exploring areas, sneaking around, interacting with characters, and fighting enemies with the tools in your arsenal.

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6. Save the game often. SERIOUSLY: SAVE CONSTANTLY.

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"Fallout 4" doesn't always save your progress, so if you get far into a mission and die, there's a chance you might have to retrace many steps. It can be annoying. But that's why you should save often, especially before big encounters or entering a new building or area. You can save your progress at almost any point in the game, which makes it far less punishing when you fail — and it's far more fun to experiment with approaching problems at new angles.

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7. All your friends will have different experiences, so don't feel pressured to rush through the game.

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The size and scope of "Fallout 4" can be intimidating. Of course, you don't want your friends to spoil any major plot points for you, which might cause you to rush through the game. Well, let me tell you, this is a game where you won't want to rush. Walk slowly, take in the scenery. Take on new adventures as they come to you — and they'll come to you often. Experiment with different companions, guns, and abilities. When you finally sit down to discuss "Fallout 4" with your friends, you'll quickly find how wildly different your in-game experiences can be. You'll be glad you took your time.